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Updated: May 25, 2026

Modifying Levels of Maternal Dietary Folic Acid or Choline to Study the Impact of Deficiencies on Offspring Health Outcomes
Published on: June 28, 2024
Vitamin D status during pregnancy and aspects of offspring health
Anne-Louise Ponsonby1, Robyn M Lucas, Sharon Lewis
1Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia. anne-louise.ponsonby@mcri.edu.au
Abstract:
Low maternal vitamin D levels during pregnancy have been linked to various health outcomes in the offspring, ranging from periconceptional effects to diseases of adult onset. Maternal and infant cord 25(OH)D levels are highly correlated. Here, we review the available evidence for these adverse health effects. Most of the evidence has arisen from observational epidemiological studies, but randomized controlled trials are now underway. The evidence to date supports that women should be monitored and treated for vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy but optimal and upper limit serum 25(OH)D levels during pregnancy are not known.
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